How long have they been in existence?
This will be the third annual TM Forum Excellence Awards

Who can enter the Awards?
The Awards are open to all TM Forum members, from suppliers to application developers, software suppliers, network operations, service providers, and system integrators. See eligibility descriptions within the individual awards categories for more information.

How do I enter the Awards?
You can enter the Awards online at the TM Forum Excellence awards website (tmforum.org/awards) by completing the online entry form. The specific questions that are contained in the online form are also provided within the award category descriptions so that you can prepare your answers in advance. The submission system also allows you to save and edit answers until you are ready to complete the form for payment.

How many Award entries can I submit?
You can enter as many different categories, as many times  as you wish. There is no limit on the number of entries you may submit per category. Entry fees are applicable for each entry submitted to certain categories.

Do I have to be a member of the TM Forum to enter the Awards?
Yes. Your company must be a current member in good standing. To check if your company is a member please see the member list

When can I enter?
Entries for the TM Forum Excellence awards are now open. See the awards category pages for submission information. Completed entry forms and payment must be received by the closing date of 27 February 2009 (5pm EST) for all award categories.

Is there an entry fee?
Yes - A $250 entry fee is payable for each entry submitted for the Best Practices Award – Supplier or System Integrator category?

Why is there an entry fee for some categories?
The entry fee for the TM Forum Excellence Awards helps cover the administrative costs associated with collecting, reviewing and evaluating the hundreds of entries received. All participating companies will be listed on the tmforum.org awards web pages.

How can payment be made?
On-line payment by credit card is accepted. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. We cannot accept payments by check or wire.

Are the fees refundable if I decide to cancel my entry?
Entry fees are non-refundable once payment has been submitted.

What are the rules for entry?
Click here to view the Rules of Entry.

Will I be sent an acknowledgement and/or receipt for my entry?
Once you have completed submission and payment of the entry form, you will be sent a Unique EntryID and a payment receipt via email.

Will short listed companies be announced - if so, when?
The short listed candidates will be notified 2 March 2009 prior to the TM Forum Excellence Awards in time to make arrangements to attend the awards ceremony. 

When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced during the opening keynote session in the morning of TM Forum Management World 2009 in Nice, France.  Presentation of the awards will be made on the morning of Wednesday 6 May 2009 during the general session of TM Forum Management World 2009.

Who are the judges?
An independent panel of judges will be comprised of leading industry and subject matter experts, analysts, VC, press and media. No TM Forum Staff or Board members will be allowed to participate in the judging process to ensure objectivity.

For the first time, this year the Best Practices Award for Suppliers will be voted through a combination of open member voting and selection by our expert judges. Entries agreed by the judging panel to meet the eligibility criteria below will be put to an open vote from the TM Forum’s service provider members comprising more than 200 global service providers.

How does the judging process work?
Entries will be judged against the criteria outlined in each of the category descriptions and the specific information requested on the entry forms. Assessment by the judges will take place in February through April 2009 for all award categories. Discussions and decisions will be based solely on the information supplied. All discussions, scoring, etc. will be kept confidential.

When will the judging process begin?
The judging process begins in February 2009 for all award categories. 

When and where does the Awards Ceremony take place?
The TM Forum Excellence Awards will take place during the opening keynote session in the morning of TM Forum Management World 2009 during the opening keynote session in the morning of Wednesday 6 May 2009. Information is available on www.tmforum.org/awards

How much are tickets for the Awards Ceremony and where can I buy them?
The Award Ceremony will be taking place during the opening keynote session in the morning of TM Forum Management World 2009.  Any ticket for Management World will allow you access to this session.  Register here.

How can my company get involved in the Awards as a sponsor?
We offer an overall TM Forum Excellence Awards sponsorship. Sponsoring companies for award categories will not be eligible to enter the category they are sponsoring. 

If I have any further questions regarding entering the Awards, who can I contact?
You can contact the Awards Team with any questions you may have regarding the Awards. Email: awards@tmforum.org.